Slot Format Indicator Reduces PDCCH Blind Detection Complexity

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Solution Overview

Problem

In new radio (NR) systems, the complexity of blindly detecting the group common physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) by terminal devices is increased due to the need for multiple bits to indicate slot formats, leading to higher signaling overheads and detection complexity.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves using a Slot Format Indicator (SFI) that not only indicates the slot format but also the time length suitable for the format, allowing the slot format to be used in multiple time units without repeated signaling, thereby reducing the number of bits required and simplifying the detection process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multi-slot and single slot SFI identification manners are used to indicate slot formats, then the slot format indication capability is improved, but the complexity of blindly detecting PDCCH by terminal device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot format indication capabilityVSAvoidblind detection complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple SFI identification manners (multi-slot and single slot) into a unified indication mechanism. The network device uses a single PDCCH to carry SFI information that can indicate slot formats for multiple slots or single slot depending on configuration, eliminating the need for separate detection processes for different identification manners and reducing blind detection complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The SFI indication mechanism is designed to serve multiple functions: it can indicate slot formats for multiple slots simultaneously or for single slots, support different slot format types, and adapt to various transmission scenarios. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate indication mechanisms needed, thereby reducing overall system complexity and blind detection requirements.

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

2Measurement precision

If different quantities of bits are used for multi-slot and single slot SFI identification, then the slot format indication precision is improved, but the signaling overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslot format indication precisionVSAvoidsignaling overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic SFI indication mechanism where the number of bits used for SFI indication adapts based on the slot format indication requirements. The network device can dynamically adjust whether to use multi-slot or single slot indication and select the appropriate bit quantity accordingly, optimizing the balance between indication precision and signaling overhead for different transmission scenarios.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the SFI indication parameters (number of bits, indication range) based on the actual transmission needs. When multi-slot indication is configured, fewer bits are used to indicate formats for multiple slots, while single slot indication uses more bits for precise single-slot formatting. This parameter adaptation reduces overall signaling overhead while maintaining necessary precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3681119B1Transmission data method, terminal device, and network device
Publication Date: 2024.02.14 GUANGDONG OPPO MOBILE TELECOMMUNICATIONS CORP LTD
  • EP3681119B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3681119B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3681119B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Embodiments of the present application provide a transmission data method, a terminal device, and a network device, capable of reducing the complexity of blind detection of a Physical Downlink Control Channel (PDCCH) by a terminal device. The method comprises: a terminal device receives a Slot Format Indicator (SFI) sent by a network device; the terminal device determines, according to the SFI, at least one of a slot structure in a time cell and the length of time applicable to the slot structure; and the terminal device detects a PDCCH according to the SFI.