Unlicensed Uplink Resource Allocation with Channel Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The challenge of efficiently utilizing unlicensed frequency bands for cellular communication systems, particularly in 5G networks, is exacerbated by interference with existing wireless devices and the need for robust coexistence mechanisms to ensure communication quality.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for uplink channel access and efficient signal transmission in unlicensed bands, utilizing techniques such as channel sensing and resource allocation to minimize interference and optimize communication quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If unlicensed frequency bands are used for cellular communication, then spectrum availability and network capacity are improved, but interference with existing wireless devices and communication quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespectrum availabilityVSAvoidinterference with existing wireless devices
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The base station performs channel sensing before transmitting uplink resource allocation information to determine if the channel is idle. This preliminary action prevents interference with existing wireless devices by avoiding transmission when the channel is occupied, thus resolving the contradiction between utilizing unlicensed spectrum and preventing interference

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (channel sensing procedure) between the base station and existing wireless devices. This intermediary detects channel occupancy and mediates access, allowing cellular communication to utilize unlicensed bands while coexisting with other wireless devices through coordinated channel access

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If channel sensing and resource allocation procedures are implemented in unlicensed bands, then interference with other devices is reduced, but system complexity and overhead increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinterference reductionVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The channel sensing mechanism serves multiple functions: it detects channel occupancy to prevent interference, triggers resource allocation procedures, and coordinates uplink transmission timing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated interference avoidance mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in system complexity while achieving interference reduction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If dynamic TDD and varying OFDM symbols are used, then data processing efficiency is improved, but resource allocation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedata processing efficiencyVSAvoidresource allocation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic TDD by allowing the base station to vary the number of downlink and uplink OFDM symbols in slots based on traffic conditions. This dynamic adjustment enables efficient data processing by adapting resource distribution to actual needs, while the resource allocation information is efficiently signaled to UEs through standardized DCI formats, limiting the increase in complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP4301078B1Resource allocation method for performing transmission in unlicensed band, and device using same
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 WILUS INSTITUTE OF STANDARDS & TECHNOLOGY INC
  • EP4301078B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4301078B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4301078B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention provides: a resource allocation method for uplink transmission onto an unlicensed band in a wireless communication system, particularly, in cellular wireless communication system; and a method, a device, and a system for transmitting scheduling information in a base station and for performing reception and transmission in a terminal. In addition, provided are: a method for efficiently transmitting a signal in a wireless communication system, particularly, in a cellular wireless communication system; and a device therefor, and another objective of the present invention is to provide: a method for efficiently sensing a channel and transmitting a signal/channel in a specific frequency band (for example, unlicensed band); a method for receiving the corresponding signal/channel; and a device therefor.