User Terminal Bandwidth Part Activation for Radio Efficiency

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Solution Overview

Problem

Next-generation mobile communication systems face challenges in efficiently managing bandwidth allocation and power consumption due to the coexistence of user terminals with varying bandwidth capabilities, necessitating a dynamic configuration of partial frequency bands and activation/deactivation of bandwidth parts (BWP) to optimize communication efficiency and reduce power usage.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a method that uses inactivity timers to control the activation and deactivation of bandwidth parts (BWP) in user terminals, allowing for semi-static or dynamic configuration of BWP groups, and pairing of downlink and uplink BWPs to manage communication efficiently, thereby reducing power consumption and enhancing throughput.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) are configured for user terminals with varying bandwidth capabilities, then communication efficiency is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecommunication efficiencyVSAvoidbandwidth management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the total bandwidth into multiple Bandwidth Parts (BWPs) that can be independently configured and activated. Each BWP represents a segment of the frequency spectrum that can be tailored to specific user terminal capabilities and service requirements, allowing efficient resource allocation without requiring the terminal to continuously process the entire bandwidth

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic BWP configuration where the network can activate or deactivate specific BWPs based on real-time communication needs, user terminal capabilities, and traffic patterns. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt bandwidth allocation flexibly, improving communication efficiency while managing device complexity through controlled activation states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If multiple bandwidth parts (BWPs) are continuously activated for all user terminals, then throughput is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveradio communication throughputVSAvoiduser terminal power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements periodic activation and deactivation of BWPs based on communication activity patterns. BWPs are activated when communication services require them and deactivated when not in use, creating a periodic on-off pattern that maintains throughput when needed while reducing power consumption during idle periods

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different activation states to different BWPs based on their specific usage requirements. Instead of uniformly activating all BWPs, the system selectively activates only those BWPs that are currently needed for specific services or user terminals, optimizing the balance between throughput and power consumption on a per-BWP basis

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Use of energy by moving object

If bandwidth parts are dynamically configured and activated/deactivated, then power consumption is reduced, but communication latency may increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidactivation/deactivation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent configures BWPs in advance with predetermined parameters and characteristics before they are needed. This preliminary configuration allows BWPs to be rapidly activated when required without extensive setup time, reducing the latency penalty associated with dynamic BWP management while still maintaining power savings during deactivated states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3735062B1User terminal and radio communication method
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 NTT DOCOMO INC
  • EP3735062B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1C
  • EP3735062B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3735062B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Throughput of radio communication is enhanced by using partial frequency bands in DL/UL communication. A user terminal includes: a transmitting/receiving section that performs at least one link communication out of uplink communication and downlink communication by using at least two activated frequency bands out of a plurality of frequency bands partially configured in a frequency direction in a carrier; and a control section that controls activation/deactivation of the plurality of frequency bands.