JP6084640B2 - Subframe configuration - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to communicating information related to subframe configuration for time division duplex (TDD) mode transmission.

  A communication device can be understood as a device with appropriate communication and control capabilities that can be used to communicate with other parties. The communication includes communication such as voice, electronic mail (e-mail), text message, data, multi-data, and the like. A communication device typically allows a user of the device to receive and transmit communication signals over a communication system and thus can be used to access various service applications.

  A communication system is a facility that facilitates communication between two or more entities, such as communication devices, network entities, and other nodes. A communication system is formed by one or more interconnected networks. One or more gateway nodes are provided to interconnect the various networks of the system. For example, a gateway node is typically provided between an access network and other communication networks, such as a core network and / or a data network.

  A suitable access system allows a communication device to access a wider communication system. Access to wider communication systems is provided by fixed lines or wireless communication interfaces or combinations thereof. Communication systems that provide wireless access typically allow at least some mobility for the user. Examples include wireless communication systems where access is provided by an array of cellular access networks. Other examples of wireless access technologies include different wireless local area networks (WLANs) and satellite-based communication systems.

  A wireless access system typically operates based on a wireless standard and / or a set of specifications that define what the various elements of the system are allowed to do and how to do so. For example, a standard or specification defines whether a user, or more specifically a user equipment, is provided with a circuit switched bearer and / or a packet switched bearer. Typically, the communication protocol and / or parameters to be used for the connection are also defined. For example, typically how communications should be implemented between user equipment and network elements, and their functions and responsibilities, are defined by a predetermined communication protocol. Such protocols and / or parameters further define the frequency spectrum used by the parts of the communication system, the transmission power used, etc.

  In a cellular system, a network entity in the form of a base station provides a node for communicating with mobile devices in one or more cells or sectors. Note that in some systems, the base station is referred to as “NodeB (NB)” or “eNodeB (eNB)”. Typically, the operation of the base station device and other devices in the access system required for communication is a centralized control entity (this centralized control entity is typically another centralized control entity in a particular communication network). Each base station (eg, eNodeB) has its own local control entity. Examples of cellular access systems include, in order of evolution: GSM® (mobile global system), EDGE (enhanced data for GSM® evolution) radio access network (GERAN), universal terrestrial radio access network ( UTRAN) and evolved UTRAN (E-UTRAN).

  Referring to FIG. 8, with long-term evolution (LTE) for E-UTRAN, downlink and uplink transmissions are organized into radio frames of a specific duration, each frame consisting of consecutive subframes, Each subframe consists of a number of consecutive orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) symbols.

  In TDD mode, a single bandwidth is shared between uplink and downlink transmissions, and different time resources are allocated to the uplink and downlink.

  There are a number of different ways to share subframes in a frame between uplink and downlink transmissions, each of which is a downlink separated by a portion of unused symbols in the middle of the subframe or GP. And using at least one special subframe (SSF) that includes both the DwPTS and the uplink transmission or UpPTS. According to one proposal, the length of the uplink and downlink parts (with respect to OFDM symbols) takes one of a limited number of combinations, and the specific combination selected on the network side of the cell is TDD -Communicates to the communication device served by the cell in the Config information element.

  It has been proposed to increase the number of possible special subframe configurations for relatively advanced communication devices for the purpose of increasing transmission capacity, and specially in such developed systems with different capacity communication devices. The problem of communicating subframe configuration information is shown.

  The object of the present invention is to satisfy the above-mentioned problems.

  According to a first embodiment of the present invention, a default configuration indication is transmitted for a subframe having a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion, a preferred configuration indication is transmitted for the subframe, and A method is provided that includes scheduling transmissions to and / or from a communication device based on the preferred subframe configuration.

  Preferably, the method further comprises selecting a configuration for the default configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition associated with the preferred configuration.

  Preferably, the predetermined condition is that both uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on a preferred subframe configuration are assigned to at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration, respectively. Is to include the specified time resource.

  Preferably, the method further comprises broadcasting an indication of the preferred configuration in a format that can only be detected for communication devices that can operate based on the preferred subframe configuration.

  Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting an indication of a preferred subframe configuration as part of a message addressed to a particular communication device.

  Preferably, the subframe includes an unused portion between the downlink transmission portion and the uplink transmission portion.

  Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting a preferred subframe configuration indication as part of a message or information block that does not include a default subframe configuration indication.

  Preferably, the method further comprises transmitting a preferred subframe configuration indication as part of the message and receiving a response to the message.

  Preferably, the downlink transmission portion of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration includes additional time resources.

  According to a second embodiment of the present invention, a default configuration indication for a subframe having a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion is detected, a preferred configuration indication for the subframe is detected, and A method is provided that includes configuring a communication device to operate based on a preferred subframe configuration.

  Preferably, the default configuration is a configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition for the preferred configuration.

  Preferably, the predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration are respectively transmitted to at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration. It includes the allocated time resource.

  Preferably, the method further comprises detecting an indication of a preferred subframe configuration from the broadcast channel.

  Preferably, the method further comprises detecting an indication of a preferred subframe configuration from a message addressed to the communication device and responding to the message.

  Preferably, the subframe includes an unused portion between the downlink transmission portion and the uplink transmission portion.

  Preferably, the downlink transmission portion of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration includes additional time resources, and the method further comprises configuring the communication device to operate based on the default subframe configuration, Including performing one or more measurements on downlink data symbols at additional time resources.

  According to a third embodiment of the present invention, in a device comprising a processor and a memory containing computer program code, the memory and computer program code are a processor, the device comprising a downlink transmission part and an uplink. Send a default configuration indication for a subframe having a transmission portion; send a preferred configuration indication for the subframe; and send to and / or from the communication device based on the preferred subframe configuration An apparatus is provided that is configured to cause scheduling.

  Preferably, the memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus to select for the default configuration a configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition associated with the preferred configuration. .

  Preferably, the predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration are respectively assigned to at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration. Is to include time resources.

  Preferably, the memory and the computer program code are configured to cause the processor to broadcast instructions for a preferred configuration in a format that can only be detected by a communication device capable of operating based on a preferred subframe configuration. Is done.

  Preferably, the memory and computer program code are configured with a processor to cause the device to transmit an indication of preferred subframe configuration as part of a message addressed to a particular communication device.

  Preferably, the subframe includes an unused portion between the downlink transmission portion and the uplink transmission portion.

  Preferably, the memory and computer program code are configured to cause the processor to transmit the preferred subframe configuration indication as part of a message or information block that does not include a default subframe configuration indication. Is done.

  Preferably, the memory and computer program code are configured with a processor to cause the apparatus to send a preferred subframe configuration indication as part of the message and receive a response to the message.

  Preferably, the downlink transmission portion of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration includes additional time resources.

  According to a fourth embodiment of the present invention, in a device comprising a processor and a memory containing computer program code, the memory and computer program code are a processor, the device comprising a downlink transmission part and an up-link. Receiving a default subframe configuration indication for a subframe having a link transmission portion; checking for detection of a preferred subframe configuration indication for the subframe; and based on the result of the check, a default subframe configuration or preferred A communication device is configured to operate according to any of the subframe configurations; an apparatus configured to do so is provided.

  Preferably, the default configuration is a configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition for the preferred configuration.

  Preferably, the predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration are respectively assigned to at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration. Is to include time resources.

  Preferably, the memory and computer program code are configured with a processor to cause the apparatus to detect a preferred subframe configuration indication from the broadcast channel.

  Preferably, the memory and computer program code are configured with a processor to cause the device to detect a preferred subframe configuration indication from a message addressed to the communication device and to respond to the message. The

  Preferably, the subframe includes an unused portion between the downlink transmission portion and the uplink transmission portion.

  Preferably, the downlink transmission portion of the subframe based on the preferred subframe configuration includes additional time resources, and the memory and computer program code are with the processor, and the device operates based on the default subframe configuration After configuring the communication device to do so, it is configured to perform one or more measurements on downlink data symbols at additional time resources.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus configured to perform the method of the first embodiment.

  Furthermore, according to the present invention, there is provided an apparatus configured to perform the method of the second embodiment.

  Furthermore, according to this invention, the base station or eNodeB provided with the apparatus of the said 3rd Embodiment is provided.

  Furthermore, according to this invention, the user apparatus or relay node provided with the apparatus of the said 4th Embodiment is provided.

  According to a fifth embodiment of the present invention, when loaded into a computer, a default configuration indication for a subframe having a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion is transmitted; Providing a computer program product with program code means for controlling a computer to send instructions of a preferred configuration; and to schedule transmissions to and / or from the communication device based on its preferred subframe configuration; Is done.

  According to a sixth embodiment of the present invention, when loaded into a computer, an indication of a default subframe configuration for a subframe having a downlink transmission part and an uplink transmission part is received; To detect detection of an indication of a preferred subframe configuration for; and to configure the communication device to operate according to either the default subframe configuration or the preferred subframe configuration based on the result of the check; A computer program product comprising program code means is provided.

  Hereinafter, a technique related to encoding and decoding of feedback information will be described in detail as an example with reference to the accompanying drawings.

1 shows an example of a communication system including a radio access network. Fig. 2 shows some components in the example user device shown in Fig. 1; Fig. 2 shows some components in an example of a device suitable for the access node shown in Fig. 1; 2 shows an example of an operation executed in the access node of FIG. An example of the operation | movement performed in the user apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown. 4 shows another example of an operation executed in the access node of FIG. The another example of the operation | movement performed in the user apparatus of FIG. 1 is shown. FIG. 2 illustrates an example of organizing transmissions to and from the access node of FIG. 1 into frames and subframes. 2 shows an example of an uplink-downlink configuration of a radio frame for LTE TDD. Fig. 4 shows one set of special subframe (SSF) configuration (SSC) and SSF parameter values used to identify each configuration in the "TDD-Config" information element. Some examples of additional subframe structure (SSC) are shown. An example of a TDD-Config information element is shown. An example of the system information block type 1 message containing a TDD-Config element is shown. Fig. 4 shows an example of a physical Config dedicated information element for an RRC connection reconfiguration message including an indication of a preferred SSF configuration. An example of system information block type 2 including an indication of a preferred SSF configuration is shown.

  The following description relates to an example of a communication system including a radio access network designed to operate in accordance with Long Term Evolution (LTE) Release 10/11 and later.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a cellular E-UTRAN including a network of base stations 2, 4, 6 (eNB).

  For simplicity, only three cells are shown in FIG. 1, but a large cellular radio access network can include tens of thousands of cells.

  FIG. 2 shows several components in the example user equipment shown in FIG. The user equipment 8 is used for various tasks such as making and receiving telephone calls, receiving data from and sending data to the data network, and, for example, multimedia or other content experiences.

  The UE 8 is a device that can transmit or receive at least a radio signal. Non-limiting examples include a mobile station (MS), a portable computer with a wireless interface card or other wireless interface facility, a personal data assistant (PDA) with wireless communication capability, a relay node, or combinations thereof, etc. Is included. The UE 8 communicates via an appropriate radio interface device of the UE 8. The interface device is provided by, for example, a radio unit and its associated antenna device. The antenna device may be disposed inside the UE 8 or may be disposed outside.

  The UE 8 is provided with at least one data processing entity 3 and at least one memory or data storage entity 7 for use in the tasks it is designed to perform. The data processor 3 and the memory 7 are provided on a suitable circuit board 9 and / or in a chipset.

  The user controls the operation of the UE 8 through a suitable user interface such as the keypad 1, voice command, touch sensitive screen or pad, combinations thereof, and the like. A display 5, a speaker and a microphone are also provided.

  Furthermore, the UE 8 is also equipped with suitable connectors (wired or wireless) for connecting to other devices and / or external accessories such as hands-free devices, for example.

  FIG. 3 shows some components in an example of a device suitable for the access nodes 2, 4, 6 shown in FIG. The apparatus 2 includes a high-frequency antenna 301 configured to receive and transmit a high-frequency signal, and a high-frequency interface circuit 303 configured to interface a high-frequency signal received and transmitted by the antenna 301. This high frequency interface circuit is also known as a transceiver. The apparatus 2 also includes a data processor 306 configured to process signals from the high frequency interface circuit 303 and control the high frequency interface circuit 303 to generate an appropriate RF signal. The access node further includes a memory 307 that stores data, parameters, and instructions for use by the data processor 306.

  It will be appreciated that both the UE 8 and access node shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 and described above also include additional elements not directly included in the embodiments described below.

  4 and 5 show an example of operations on the network side and the user apparatus side in the communication system of FIG.

  Referring to FIGS. 8 and 9, a set of subframes that make up a radio frame are assigned to downlink and uplink transmissions based on one of the seven configurations shown in FIG. 9, and each uplink-downlink. It is clear that the configuration includes at least one special subframe of the kind described above. All slots into which the subframe is divided (14 slots in the normal periodic prefix (CP) case or 12 slots in the extended periodic prefix (CP) case) can all be used for transmission of OFDM symbols.

  14 slots of a special subframe (SSF) (or 12 slots in the case of using extended CP) are one or more downlink transmission slots (generally downlink pilot time slots (DwPTS)) at the start of the subframe. ), One or more unused slots in the middle of the subframe (generally referred to as guard period (GP)), and one or more uplink transmission slots (globally) at the end of the subframe. The uplink pilot time slot (UpPTS).

  Nine different combinations of DwPTS, GP and UpPTS are shown in FIG. 10, where the length of DwPTS and UpPTS is represented by the number of OFDM symbols. Yet another example of a combination of DwPTS, GP and UpPTS for a special subframe is shown in FIG.

  The access network decides to adopt an SSF configuration that is not included in the set of SSF configurations shown in FIG. 10 as the preferred SSF configuration for the cell associated with eNB2. For example, the access network decides to adopt the (6, 6, 2) SSF configuration shown at the top of FIG. 11 as the preferred SSF configuration for the cell associated with eNB2. (6, 6, 2) refers to the length of DwPTS, GP and UpPTS, respectively, with respect to the number of OFDM symbols.

  The access network selects the default SSF configuration to be paired with the preferred SSF configuration from the limited number of special subframe configurations shown in FIG. One or more SSF configurations shown in FIG. 10 may be paired with one or more additional SSF configurations of the type shown in FIG. In other words, additional SSF configurations of the type shown in FIG. 11 include two or more that are paired with the same default SSF configuration.

  In this embodiment, the access network selects from the limited number of special subframe configurations shown in FIG. 10 an SSF configuration with DwPTS and UpPTS that are not longer than DwPTS and UpPTS of the preferred configuration (6, 6, 2), respectively. . For example, the access network selects the (3, 9, 2) configuration identified by a special subframe parameter (SSP) value of 5.

  The access network formulates a “TDD-Config” information element of the type shown in FIG. 12 and against the SSP value or other SSP value that identifies the default SSF configuration that the network or base station has paired with the preferred SSF configuration. The value “5” is designated. The TDD-Config information element specifies one of the uplink-downlink configurations shown in FIG. 9 by one of the seven subframe specification (sa) values shown in FIG. eNB2 broadcasts the TDD-Config information element to the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH) as part of a system information block 1 (SIB1) message of the type shown in FIG. A downlink control information (DCI) message indicating resource allocation is transmitted on the physical downlink control channel (PDCCH) (step 402). This DCI message is scrambled with Radio Network Temporary Identification (RNTI) for system information, ie SI-RNTI. This TDD-Config information element can be detected by all UEs 8 (step 502). UE8 all finds the DCI message in SI-RNTI as a result of the blind search of PDCCH, and all of them get the configuration of the corresponding PDSCH carrying SIB1 from the DCI message.

Table 1 below provides a description of the fields used for the System Information Block 1 (SIB1) message shown in FIG.

  The eNB 2 determines whether the UE 8 can operate based on the preferred configuration (step 404). If the result of this determination is affirmative, the access network formulates a “RRC connection reconfiguration” message addressed to its UE 8 and includes a “PhysicalConfigDedicated” information element of the type shown in FIG. Depending on a predetermined new SSF pattern parameter value that can be confirmed for the UE 8 to which the message is directed (eg, ssp # 9 in the (6, 6, 2) configuration), a preferred subframe configuration, eg, Specify 6, 2).

Table 2 below provides a description of the fields of the PhysicalConfigDedicated information element shown in FIG.

  The eNB sends an RRC connection reconfiguration message to the UE 8 via the physical downlink shared channel (PDSCH), and in this connection, a DCI message is sent via the PDCCH to the UE 8 during that time in the cell. It is scrambled with the designated RNTI (ie, C-RNTI) (step 408). UE8 finds this DCI message in C-RNTI as a result of the blind search of PDCCH and obtains the configuration of the corresponding PDSCH carrying the RRC connection reconfiguration message from the DCI message.

  In this way, the eNB 2 only sends an indication of the preferred SSF configuration to the UE 8 that has the ability to operate based on the preferred SSF configuration. If the result of the determination is negative for any UE, eNB 2 schedules transmissions to and / or from such UE 8 based on the default SSF configuration (step 406).

  UE 8 that does not receive an indication of the preferred SSF configuration from eNB 2 configures itself to operate based on the configuration specified in the TDD-Config information element of the SIB1 message detected in PDSCH (step 506) .

  The UE 8 that receives the RRC connection reconfiguration message including an indication of the preferred SSF configuration refrains from configuring itself to operate based on the preferred SSF configuration at least until after sending the RRC connection reconfiguration complete message to the eNB 2. (Step 508). Until eNB2 receives the RRC reconfiguration complete message from UE8, eNB2 continues to schedule transmission to UE8 based on the default SSF configuration (step 414). After receiving the RRC connection reconfiguration complete message from the UE 8, the eNB 2 starts scheduling transmission to the UE 8 based on the preferred SSF configuration (step 412).

  During an uncertain period between when the UE8 sends an RRC connection reconfiguration complete message and when the eNB receives the message, the UE8 is based on the default SSF configuration specified in the TDD-Config information element. At the same time it can continue to operate, it can check the detection of OFDM symbols in additional resources allocated for downlink transmission as part of the preferred SSF configuration (6, 6, 2).

  6 and 7 show another example of network side and user equipment side operations based on one different technology. Similar to the technique described above, the eNB 2 broadcasts a default SSF configuration indication on the PDSCH as part of the SIB 1 (step 602), which is detected by all UEs 8 (step 702). ENB2 also includes an indication of the preferred (6, 6, 2) SSF configuration as part of the second system information block message on the broadcast channel PDSCH, and in this context, directs resource allocation for PDSCH transmission. DCI messages to be transmitted are transmitted via the PDCCH. The DCI message is scrambled with the SI-RNTI (step 604). One example of such a message is a system information block type 2 (SIB2) message of the type shown in FIG. An indication of a preferred configuration is broadcast on the PDSCH so that it cannot recognize that it cannot operate based on the preferred SSF configuration for those UEs 8, such UE 8 operates according to the default SSF configuration specified in the TDD-Config information element. It continues to configure itself (step 706).

Table 3 below provides a description of the fields of the system information block type 2 message shown in FIG.

  A UE 8 that can detect an indication of the preferred SSF configuration in PDSCH SIB2 and can operate based on the preferred (6, 6, 2) configuration can immediately reconfigure itself (step 708), and eNB 2 is also preferred (6, 6, 2) Scheduling of transmissions to such UEs is started immediately based on the SSF configuration (step 610). As described above, the eNB 2 can distinguish between a UE 8 that can operate based on a preferred SSF configuration and a UE 8 that cannot operate so, and a UE that is not capable of operating based on a preferred SSF configuration. , ENB2 schedules such transmissions to UE8 and / or transmissions from UE8 based on the default SSF configuration broadcast on PDSCH SIB1.

  For the purpose of taking measurements at eNBs associated with neighboring cells (ie potential target cells), UE 8 takes such measurements based on the default SSF configuration (eg (3, 9, 2) in the above example). Only perform measurements in slots assigned to DwPTS based on the default SSF configuration, for the purpose of performing measurements in eNB 2 associated with the current cell (eg, (6, 6, UE 8 capable of operating under 2)) performs measurements in slots assigned to DwPTS based on the preferred SSF configuration, including additional slots that are not assigned to DwPTS in the default SSF configuration.

  The above description refers to an example of a preferred SSF configuration with incremental time resources for DwPTS and the same time resources for UpPTS. However, the same kind of technology is applied to the preferred SSF configuration with increased time resources for both DwPTS and UpPTS, and the preferred SSF configuration with increased time resources for UpPTS and the same time resource for DwPTS. can do. As described above, the access network selects a default SSF configuration in which the time resources for DwPTS and UpPTS are not longer than the respective time resources of the preferred SSF configuration from the set of SSF configurations shown in FIG.

  The operations described above require data processing at various entities. The data processing is performed by one or more data processors.

  Similarly, the various entities described in the above embodiments are embodied in single or multiple data processing entities and / or data processors. A suitably adapted computer program code product is used to embody the above embodiments when loaded into a computer. The program code product that performs the operation is stored on and provided by a carrier medium such as a carrier disk, card or tape. Program code products can also be downloaded via the data network. It can also be implemented with appropriate software in the server.

  For example, the embodiments are embodied as a chip set, in other words, a series of integrated circuits that communicate with each other. The chipset includes a microprocessor configured to execute code, an application specific integrated circuit (ASIC), or a programmable digital signal processor for performing the operations.

  The embodiments are embodied in various components such as integrated circuit modules. Integrated circuit design is generally a highly automated process. Complex and powerful software tools are available to convert a logic level design into a semiconductor circuit design ready to be etched and formed on a semiconductor substrate.

  Programs such as those offered by Synopsys, Inc. of Mountain View, California and Cadence Design of San Jose, Calif. Use well-established design rules and a library of pre-stored design modules on the semiconductor chip. Automatically route conductors and place components. When the design of the semiconductor circuit is complete, the resulting design is sent for manufacturing to a semiconductor manufacturing plant or “fab” in a standard electronic format (eg, Opus, GDSII, etc.).

  In addition to the changes explicitly described above, those skilled in the art will appreciate that various other changes in the techniques described herein may be made and that the techniques described herein may be applied to other communication systems. I will.

2, 4, 6: Base station (eNB)
3: Data processor 5: Display 7: Memory 8: User equipment (UE)
9: Circuit board 301: High frequency antenna 303: High frequency interface circuit 306: Data processor 307: Memory

Claims (38)

Transmitting a default subframe configuration indication for a subframe having a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion; transmitting a special subframe configuration indication for the subframe; and the special subframe Scheduling transmissions to and / or from the communication device based on the configuration. The method of claim 1, further comprising selecting a configuration for the default subframe configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition associated with the special subframe configuration. The predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration are at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration, respectively. The method of claim 2, comprising including an allocated time resource. The Special was only further comprising the step of broadcasting the indication of the special sub-frame configuration in a format that can be detected to the communication device capable of operating on the basis of the sub-frame configuration method according to any of claims 1 to 3. 4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, further comprising transmitting the indication of the special subframe configuration as part of a message addressed to a particular communication device.   The method according to any of claims 1 to 5, wherein the subframe includes an unused part between the downlink transmission part and the uplink transmission part. 7. The method according to claim 1, further comprising transmitting the indication of the special subframe configuration as part of a message or information block that does not include the indication of the default subframe configuration. The method according to any of claims 1 to 7, further comprising the step of transmitting the indication of the special subframe configuration as part of a message and receiving a response to the message. The method according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the downlink transmission part of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration includes additional time resources. Detecting an indication of a default subframe configuration for a subframe having a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion; detecting an indication of a special subframe configuration for the subframe; and the special subframe Configuring the communication device to operate based on the configuration. The method of claim 10, wherein the default subframe configuration is a configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition with respect to the special subframe configuration. The predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration are at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration, respectively. The method of claim 11, comprising including an allocated time resource. The method according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising detecting the indication of the special subframe configuration from a broadcast channel. 13. A method according to any of claims 10 to 12, further comprising detecting the indication of the special subframe configuration from a message addressed to the communication device and responding to the message.   15. A method according to any of claims 10 to 14, wherein the subframe includes an unused portion between the downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion. The downlink transmission portion of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration includes additional time resources, and the method is further configured after configuring the communication device to operate based on the default subframe configuration 16. A method according to any of claims 10 to 15, comprising performing one or more measurements on downlink data symbols at the additional time resource. An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code being the default for a subframe in which the apparatus has a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion. Sending a subframe configuration indication; sending a special subframe configuration indication for the subframe; and scheduling transmissions to and / or from the communication device based on the special subframe configuration; A device configured to cause The memory and computer program code, with the processor, such that the apparatus selects, for the default subframe configuration, a configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition associated with the special subframe configuration; The apparatus of claim 17, configured to cause The predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration are at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration, respectively. The apparatus of claim 18, comprising an allocated time resource. The memory and the computer program code in said processor, said apparatus broadcasts said indication of said special subframe structure in a format that can be detected only to the communication device capable of operating on the basis of the special sub-frame structure, iodine 20. A device according to any one of claims 17 to 19 configured to be The memory and computer program code are configured to cause the processor to transmit the indication of the special subframe configuration as part of a message addressed to a particular communication device with the processor. Item 20. The device according to any one of Items 17 to 19.   The apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 21, wherein the subframe includes an unused part between the downlink transmission part and the uplink transmission part. The memory and computer program code are with the processor so that the apparatus transmits the indication of the special subframe configuration as part of a message or information block that does not include the indication of the default subframe configuration. 23. Apparatus according to any one of claims 17 to 22 configured to cause The memory and computer program code are configured to cause the apparatus to cause the apparatus to transmit the indication of the special subframe configuration as part of a message and receive a response to the message. Item 24. The apparatus according to any one of Items 17 to 23. 25. The apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 24, wherein a downlink transmission part of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration includes additional time resources. An apparatus comprising a processor and a memory including computer program code, the memory and the computer program code being the default for a subframe in which the apparatus has a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion. Receiving a subframe configuration indication; checking for detection of a special subframe configuration indication for the subframe; and according to either the default subframe configuration or the special subframe configuration based on the result of the check Configuring the communication device to operate; a device configured to cause the communication device to operate; 27. The apparatus of claim 26, wherein the default subframe configuration is a configuration that satisfies at least one predetermined condition with respect to the special subframe configuration. The predetermined condition is that both the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration are at least the uplink and downlink transmission portions of the subframe based on the default subframe configuration, respectively. 28. The apparatus of claim 27, including an allocated time resource. 29. The memory and computer program code according to any one of claims 26 to 28, wherein the memory and computer program code are configured to cause the processor to detect the indication of the special subframe configuration from a broadcast channel. apparatus. The memory and computer program code cause the processor to cause the device to detect the indication of the special subframe configuration from a message addressed to the communication device and to respond to the message. 29. Apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 28, configured.   31. The apparatus according to any of claims 26 to 30, wherein the subframe includes an unused portion between the downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion. The downlink transmission portion of the subframe based on the special subframe configuration includes additional time resources, the memory and computer program code are with the processor, and the device is based on the default subframe configuration. 32. Any one of claims 26 to 31 configured to cause one or more measurements to be performed on downlink data symbols at the additional time resource after configuring the communication device to operate. The device described in 1.   An apparatus configured to perform the method of any of claims 1-9.   An apparatus configured to perform a method according to any of claims 10 to 16.   A base station or eNodeB comprising an apparatus according to any of claims 17 to 25 and 33.   A user device or relay node comprising the device according to any one of claims 26 to 32 and 34. When loaded into a computer, it transmits an instruction of default subframe structure for the sub-frame having a downlink transmission portion and the uplink transmit portion; sending an indication of special sub-frame structure for the subframe; And a computer readable recording medium comprising program code for operating the computer to schedule transmission to and / or from the communication device based on the special subframe configuration. When loaded into a computer, receives a default subframe configuration indication for a subframe having a downlink transmission portion and an uplink transmission portion; checks for detection of a special subframe configuration indication for the subframe And configuring the communication device to operate according to either the default subframe configuration or the special subframe configuration based on the result of the check; a computer readable record comprising program code for operating the computer Medium.