Wireless LBT Threshold Configuration for Shared Spectrum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems face interference and reduced throughput due to restrictive or relaxed Listen Before Talk (LBT) thresholds in shared frequency spectrums, particularly in unlicensed bands, leading to inefficient resource utilization and potential interference.

Innovation Solution

Implementing independently configurable LBT thresholds for multiple frequency spectrums, allowing dynamic adjustment based on specific conditions within the wireless communication system to mitigate interference and optimize resource usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single LBT threshold value is used for multiple frequency spectrums, then device complexity is reduced, but communication quality and throughput deteriorate due to inability to compensate for downlink-uplink leakage

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveLBT threshold configurationVSAvoidcommunication throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the LBT threshold configuration by dividing it into multiple threshold values, each corresponding to a specific frequency spectrum. This allows the system to apply appropriate thresholds for downlink and uplink transmissions separately, improving communication quality while maintaining manageable complexity through structured organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies local quality by assigning different LBT threshold values to different frequency spectrums based on their specific characteristics and interference conditions. This enables optimized performance for each frequency band while maintaining overall system efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Object-affected harmful factors

If LBT threshold is increased to reduce interference, then harmful factors are reduced, but resource utilization deteriorates due to overly restrictive access

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveinterferenceVSAvoidresource utilization

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic LBT threshold adjustment where the threshold value changes based on the transmission direction (downlink or uplink) and frequency spectrum conditions. This dynamic approach prevents overly restrictive access by adapting thresholds to current system needs, maintaining both interference control and resource utilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the LBT threshold parameter based on specific transmission conditions, using different threshold values for downlink and uplink. This parameter adaptation allows the system to reduce interference when necessary while maintaining efficient resource utilization by lowering thresholds when conditions permit

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If LBT threshold is decreased to improve resource utilization, then productivity is improved, but harmful factors increase due to excessive interference

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidinterference

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic threshold adjustment to prevent excessive interference while maintaining high resource utilization. By adapting the LBT threshold to current transmission conditions and frequency spectrum characteristics, the system allows more aggressive access when appropriate while preventing interference when conditions warrant caution

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If multiple LBT threshold values are implemented for different frequency spectrums, then communication quality is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication qualityVSAvoidLBT threshold management

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent structures the multiple LBT threshold values in an organized manner, with each threshold clearly associated with specific frequency spectrums and transmission types. This segmentation approach improves communication quality through precise threshold application while managing device complexity through systematic organization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal LBT threshold management framework that handles multiple frequency spectrums and transmission types through a unified mechanism. This multi-functional approach improves communication quality across different scenarios while avoiding the need for separate management systems, thereby controlling device complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11706802B2Wireless communication using multiple listen before talk (LBT) threshold values

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 QUALCOMM INC

AI summary

A method of wireless communication includes receiving, by a user equipment (UE) from a base station, a control message associated with a plurality of listen before talk (LBT) threshold values including a first LBT threshold value and a second LBT threshold value. The first LBT threshold value is associated with a first frequency spectrum, and the second LBT threshold value is associated with a second frequency spectrum different than the first frequency spectrum. The method further includes performing an LBT operation based on the first LBT threshold value and the second LBT threshold value. The method further includes, based on the LBT operation, performing a transmission by the UE using one or both of the first frequency spectrum or the second frequency spectrum.