User Terminal Blank Resource Management for BWP Throughput

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Solution Overview

Problem

In future radio communication systems like NR, the lack of an appropriate method for a user terminal to learn blank resources when Bandwidth Parts (BWP) are introduced leads to potential deterioration in communication throughput and frequency use efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves configuring and notifying user terminals with blank resource information based on BWP configurations, allowing them to decide and manage blank resources effectively within time units such as slots or mini-slots, thereby preventing throughput reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If Bandwidth Parts (BWP) are introduced for flexible resource configuration, then frequency use efficiency and adaptability are improved, but the complexity of resource management and blank resource identification increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency use efficiencyVSAvoidresource management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the bandwidth into multiple Bandwidth Parts (BWPs), each with its own resource configuration. This allows the system to manage large bandwidth resources in smaller, more manageable units, improving frequency use efficiency while reducing the complexity of handling the entire bandwidth at once. Each BWP can be independently configured and managed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a predetermined blank resource pattern that is configured in advance for each BWP. This preliminary configuration of blank resources eliminates the need for real-time complex calculations or decisions about which resources should be blank, thereby reducing management complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If blank resources are reserved for future compatibility, then system flexibility is improved, but communication throughput may deteriorate due to unused resources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem flexibilityVSAvoidcommunication throughput
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the potentially harmful effect of reserved blank resources into a beneficial mechanism by using the blank resource pattern to dynamically indicate actual resource usage. The predetermined pattern allows the system to reserve resources for future flexibility while simultaneously providing clear guidance on current resource allocation, preventing throughput deterioration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of resource reservation from static to dynamic by introducing a configurable blank resource pattern that can be adjusted based on BWP settings. This allows the system to optimize the balance between reserving resources for future use and maintaining high throughput by accurately indicating which resources are actually available.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If control is performed based on BWP configuration, then adaptability to different bandwidth conditions is improved, but the difficulty of detecting blank resources increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebandwidth condition adaptabilityVSAvoidblank resource detection difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by configuring the blank resource pattern in advance for each BWP before communication begins. This predetermined pattern serves as a reference that simplifies blank resource detection during operation, as the UE can directly compare expected versus actual resource usage against the pre-established pattern rather than performing complex real-time analysis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3664538B1Terminal, radio communications method and system
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3664538B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3664538B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3664538B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A user terminal according to one aspect of the present invention includes: a control section that decides a blank resource area configured in association with a given Bandwidth part (BWP); and a transmission/reception section that performs transmission and/or reception processing by taking the blank resource area into account, and the control section decides the blank resource area assuming one of following (1) to (3): (1) an entire bandwidth of the given BWP is the blank resource area in a given period; (2) part of the bandwidth of the given BWP is the blank resource area in the given period; and (3) the given BWP does not include the blank resource area in the given period. According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to prevent a communication throughput from lowering even when performing control based on a BWP