Terminal Slot Format Control for Half-Duplex Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Future radio communication systems face challenges in controlling half-duplex communication, particularly in transitioning between uplink and downlink transmissions on a symbol-by-symbol basis, which is different from the subframe-based approach in existing LTE systems.
Innovation Solution
A terminal is equipped with a receiving section to process slot format information and a control section that determines slot formats for each cell based on the received information, allowing for proper control of half-duplex communication by designating transmission and reception directions in each cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If slot format switching is performed on a symbol-by-symbol basis in future radio communication systems, then communication flexibility and data rates are improved, but control of half-duplex communication becomes complex and difficult to manage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the slot format control by introducing a primary cell concept where slot format information is received from a primary cell and applied to control communication in a secondary cell. This segmentation allows the terminal to manage half-duplex communication separately for different cells, reducing overall control complexity while maintaining symbol-by-symbol switching flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses slot format information as an intermediary mechanism that carries transmission direction indications from the primary cell to control the secondary cell's communication behavior. This intermediary approach enables indirect control of half-duplex communication, simplifying the terminal's decision-making process while achieving fine-grained time division duplex control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple slot format information indications are received for the same cell, then communication adaptability is improved, but determination of the correct slot format becomes ambiguous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional approach by using the primary cell's slot format information to control the secondary cell's transmission direction, rather than each cell independently determining its own format. This inversion resolves ambiguity by establishing a clear hierarchical relationship where the primary cell's indications take precedence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different control mechanisms to different cells: the primary cell receives and processes slot format information independently, while the secondary cell's transmission direction is determined based on the primary cell's slot format information. This local differentiation allows each cell to have appropriate control quality without conflict.
Data Source
AI summary
To properly control half-duplex communication in future radio communication systems, a user terminal according to one aspect of the present disclosure has a receiving section that receives slot format information for designating a slot format of a cell, and a control section that determines a slot format in each cell based on at least one of content designated by each slot format information and a signal type used in transmission of each slot format information, in the case of receiving a plurality of pieces of slot format information.