Terminal Device TDD Subframe Configuration Signaling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current communication systems in LTE networks face inefficiencies in managing uplink and downlink resources, particularly in Time Division Duplex (TDD) schemes, leading to suboptimal communication performance due to inflexible subframe configurations and inadequate signaling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that allows for dynamic configuration of uplink and downlink subframes using flexible UL-DL configurations, enabling efficient allocation of resources across multiple serving cells through advanced signaling techniques and reference configurations, allowing for adaptive communication based on real-time traffic conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible subframes are used for traffic adaptation in TDD, then resource allocation adaptability is improved, but signaling complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation adaptabilityVSAvoidsignaling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the TDD configuration into multiple independent components: reference UL-DL configuration, dynamic UL-DL configuration, and flexible subframe indicators. Each component can be configured and updated independently through separate signaling mechanisms, allowing the system to adapt traffic patterns without requiring complete reconfiguration of the entire TDD structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic TDD configuration where the UL-DL configuration can change over time based on traffic conditions. The system transitions from static configuration to dynamic reconfiguration through downlink signaling, enabling flexible subframes to be activated or deactivated according to real-time uplink and downlink traffic demands.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple UL-DL configurations are supported for carrier aggregation, then communication flexibility is improved, but determination complexity of subframe direction increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication flexibilityVSAvoiddetermination complexity of subframe direction
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces reference UL-DL configuration as an intermediary that provides a baseline configuration for determining flexible subframe directions. When multiple UL-DL configurations are active in carrier aggregation, the reference configuration serves as a mediator to resolve conflicts and determine the actual subframe direction, simplifying the determination process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different UL-DL configurations to different serving cells locally, allowing each cell to have optimized configuration based on its specific traffic characteristics. The terminal device determines subframe direction on a per-cell basis using the reference configuration as guidance, reducing overall determination complexity through localized decision-making.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3076733B1Terminal device, base-station device, integrated circuit, and communication method
Publication Date: 2018.09.19 SHARP KK
  • EP3076733B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3076733B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3076733B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In a terminal device, pieces of information for a cell group, which include information indicating a subframe for monitoring a PDCCH with a RNTI, is received, pieces of information for each of multiple cells in the cell group, which include information for determining an index of information indicating an UL-DL configuration for each of the multiple cells in the cell group, is received, the PDCCH with the RNTI is monitored on a common search space of one cell in the cell group, the information indicating the UL-DL configuration for each of the multiple cells in the cell group is transmitted on the PDCCH with the RNTI, and, in a case where the one cell is a cell in which Time Division Duplex (TDD) is applied, a DL subframe that is based on an UL-DL configuration which is based on a RRC message is configured for monitoring the PDCCH with the RNTI.