Unlicensed Carrier Transmission Scheduling

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Solution Overview

Problem

In wireless communication systems, the use of unlicensed bands for signal transmission leads to throughput decreases due to listen before talk (LBT) mechanisms, which require clear channel assessment (CCA) operations, causing suspension of transmissions and interference with other base stations.

Innovation Solution

A base station process that detects signals from other base stations on unlicensed component carriers and determines non-overlapping time intervals for its own signal transmission, avoiding collisions and mitigating interference by selecting different time intervals for transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If LBT mechanism is implemented for unlicensed band transmission, then coexistence with other users is ensured, but throughput decreases due to CCA operation suspensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoexistence with other usersVSAvoidthroughput
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs CCA operation in advance before transmission to determine channel availability. By preparing the transmission timing and channel assessment beforehand, the system ensures proper coexistence while minimizing transmission suspensions and maximizing throughput opportunities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Object-affected harmful factors

If CCA operation is performed to ensure proper channel access, then interference with other base stations is reduced, but transmission time is lost during suspension intervals

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference with other base stationsVSAvoidtransmission suspension time
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The base station dynamically adjusts transmission timing based on real-time channel conditions detected during CCA operations. When the channel is found to be busy, the base station flexibly schedules transmissions in non-overlapping time intervals, optimizing both interference avoidance and time utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention resolves the time loss problem by utilizing time-domain multiplexing - transmitting signals in different time intervals rather than simultaneously. This dimensional approach to channel access allows multiple base stations to share the unlicensed spectrum efficiently without continuous interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If transmission is suspended for CCA operation, then channel collision is avoided, but data transmission opportunities are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvechannel collision avoidanceVSAvoiddata transmission opportunities
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The base station maintains continuous channel monitoring and transmission scheduling operations. By keeping the CCA mechanism active and ready, the system ensures that transmission opportunities are captured as soon as the channel becomes available, minimizing gaps in data transmission while maintaining collision avoidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Data Source

PatentEP3016312B1Device of handling transmission on unlicensed component carrier
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 HTC CORP
  • EP3016312B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3016312B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3016312B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A communication device for handling a signal transmission on an unlicensed component carrier (CC) comprises a storage unit for storing instructions and a processing means coupled to the storage unit. The processing means is configured to execute the instructions stored in the storage unit. The instructions comprise detecting at least one first signal transmitted by at least one base station on an unlicensed CC; determining at least one first time interval where the at least one first signal is transmitted by the at least one base station; and transmitting at least one second signal on the unlicensed CC in at least one second time interval to a communication device wherein the at least one second time interval is not overlapped with the at least one first time interval.