Terminal Scheduling Switching for Reliable Low-Power Data Transmission

Solution Overview

Problem

The 3GPP Rel-15 specifications do not clearly specify how to dynamically switch between same-slot and cross-slot scheduling modes to optimize power consumption and user experience in wireless terminals, leading to unclear signaling between network devices and terminals.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for a terminal to receive a switching indication from a network device to switch scheduling modes, with defined application times for the second scheduling mode, including specific values or indexes for K0, K2, aperiodic CSI-RS triggering offset, and aperiodic SRS triggering offset to ensure reliable data channel transmission and power savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If same-slot scheduling is used to ensure smooth data channel transmission, then user experience is improved, but terminal power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedata channel transmission reliabilityVSAvoidterminal power consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between same-slot scheduling and cross-slot scheduling modes based on terminal power consumption states and data transmission requirements. The terminal can dynamically adjust the scheduling mode: using same-slot scheduling when power is充足 to ensure transmission reliability, and switching to cross-slot scheduling when power is limited to reduce consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between transmission reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scheduling mode parameter (same-slot vs. cross-slot) based on terminal power consumption conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the system can switch between high-reliability/high-power mode and low-power mode, effectively resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and power consumption through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Use of energy by moving object

If cross-slot scheduling is used to reduce terminal power consumption, then power savings are achieved, but scheduling flexibility and response time are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveterminal power consumptionVSAvoidscheduling mode flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic switching between same-slot scheduling and cross-slot scheduling modes based on terminal power consumption states and data transmission requirements. The terminal can dynamically adjust the scheduling mode: using same-slot scheduling when power is充足 to ensure transmission reliability, and switching to cross-slot scheduling when power is limited to reduce consumption. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction between transmission reliability and power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the scheduling mode parameter (same-slot vs. cross-slot) based on terminal power consumption conditions. By adjusting this parameter, the system can switch between high-reliability/high-power mode and low-power mode, effectively resolving the contradiction between transmission reliability and power consumption through parameter optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If scheduling mode switching indication is not clearly specified, then signaling complexity is reduced, but implementation ambiguity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesignaling complexityVSAvoidscheduling mode application time clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies the application time of scheduling mode switching in advance through clear signaling. When the network sends a scheduling mode switching indication, it simultaneously indicates when the new mode should take effect (e.g., at a specific slot boundary or after a determined time offset). This preliminary specification of application time eliminates implementation ambiguity while maintaining signaling efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a time offset parameter as an intermediary element to bridge the scheduling mode switching indication and its application time. This intermediary parameter clearly defines the relationship between the switching command and when it takes effect, resolving the ambiguity without significantly increasing signaling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS12356399B2Scheduling switching method and apparatus

Publication Date: 2025.07.08 HUAWEI TECH CO LTD

AI summary

A scheduling switching method includes receiving, by a terminal, a switching indication from a network device, where the switching indication indicates the terminal to switch from a first scheduling mode to a second scheduling mode. The method further includes determining an application time of the second scheduling mode such that the terminal schedules a data channel or triggers a reference signal using the second scheduling mode when the application time arrives.