Terminal Initial BWP Bandwidth Configuration via MIB and SIB

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Solution Overview

Problem

Future radio communication systems face challenges in appropriately controlling downlink and uplink shared channels in initial Bandwidth Parts (BWP) due to multiple bandwidth values based on Master Information Block (MIB) and System Information Block (SIB) information, leading to potential misconfiguration and inefficient resource allocation.

Innovation Solution

The system determines the number of bits for frequency domain resource assignment in DCI and controls bit selection during rate matching based on whether information related to the initial BWP is provided by a higher layer, using specific information from SIB 1 or an index from the MIB to ensure accurate configuration of downlink and uplink channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bandwidth values are provided for initial BWP based on MIB and SIB information, then the system provides flexibility in bandwidth configuration, but the terminal cannot appropriately control transmission of downlink and uplink shared channels

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth configuration flexibilityVSAvoidchannel transmission control accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by determining the bandwidth of the initial BWP before configuring downlink and uplink shared channels. The terminal first obtains bandwidth information from MIB or SIB 1, then uses this predetermined bandwidth to correctly interpret frequency domain resource assignments in DCI messages, ensuring accurate channel control from the outset.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses the initial BWP bandwidth as an intermediary parameter that mediates between the broadcast information (MIB/SIB) and the DCI-based resource allocation. By establishing the initial BWP bandwidth first, the system creates a reference framework that enables correct interpretation of subsequent resource assignment messages, resolving the conflict between flexibility and control accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If the terminal uses bandwidth information from MIB for initial BWP configuration, then the configuration is simple and fast, but the bandwidth may not be optimized for specific service requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial access speedVSAvoidbandwidth optimization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by allowing the initial BWP bandwidth to be dynamically determined based on different information sources (MIB or SIB 1) depending on system configuration and service requirements. The terminal can adaptively select which bandwidth value to use based on higher-layer configuration, enabling both fast initial access and optimized bandwidth utilization for specific services.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the bandwidth parameter of the initial BWP based on different information sources. By allowing the bandwidth to take different values depending on whether it's derived from MIB or SIB 1, the system can optimize the bandwidth parameter for different service scenarios while maintaining a unified initial access procedure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If the terminal uses bandwidth information from SIB 1 for initial BWP configuration, then the bandwidth can be optimized for specific services, but the configuration process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth optimization capabilityVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the bandwidth parameter in SIB 1 during network deployment, so that when the terminal needs optimized bandwidth for specific services, the information is already available without requiring additional real-time configuration procedures, thus reducing configuration time while maintaining optimization capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Device complexity

If the frequency domain resource assignment field uses a fixed number of bits, then the DCI structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different initial BWP bandwidth configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveDCI structure simplicityVSAvoidbandwidth configuration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the number of bits in the frequency domain resource assignment field dynamic by linking it to the bandwidth of the initial BWP. When the initial BWP bandwidth changes based on different configurations (MIB vs SIB 1), the number of bits in the resource assignment field is adjusted accordingly, allowing the DCI structure to adapt to different bandwidth configurations while maintaining a relatively simple base structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3796707B1Terminal, corresponding method and system
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3796707B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3796707B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3796707B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure includes: a receiving section that receives downlink control information including a given field indicating a frequency domain resource to be assigned to a downlink shared channel or an uplink shared channel; and a control section that controls reception of the downlink shared channel or transmission of the uplink shared channel based on whether or not information related to a band for initial access in a carrier is given by a higher layer.