ACK/NACK Resource Indexing via Downlink Control Channel Format

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wireless communication systems face inefficiencies in assigning resources for transmitting ACK/NACK signals, leading to potential collisions and suboptimal use of PUCCH resources, especially in scenarios with paired and non-paired subframes and multiple component carriers.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for efficiently assigning uplink resources for ACK/NACK signal transmission by determining an uplink resource index based on the format and structure of the downlink control channel, using index modification information, and reserving additional PUCCH resources to prevent collisions, even in cases of non-paired subframes and multiple component carriers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional PUCCH resource assignment methods are used, then resource allocation is simple, but resource collisions occur and resource utilization is suboptimal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveACK/NACK transmission reliabilityVSAvoidresource assignment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for PUCCH resource assignment from traditional fixed indexing to dynamic index modification based on downlink control channel format. The uplink resource index is determined by modifying the downlink resource index using format-specific offset values, allowing the system to adapt resource assignment parameters to different control channel formats and avoid collisions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary resource reservation and index modification preparation before actual ACK/NACK transmission. By pre-defining format-specific offset values and determining uplink resource indices in advance based on downlink control channel format, the system avoids resource collisions without adding complexity during the actual transmission phase

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If additional PUCCH resources are reserved for different control channel formats, then resource collisions are avoided, but resource overhead increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecollision-free transmissionVSAvoidPUCCH resource overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal resource assignment mechanism that works across multiple downlink control channel formats. By using format-specific offset values applied to a base downlink resource index, the system achieves multi-functionality where the same PUCCH resources can serve different control channel formats without requiring completely separate resource pools, thus reducing overall resource overhead

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

3Productivity

If uplink resource index is determined without considering downlink control channel format, then resource assignment is straightforward, but resource collisions occur in diverse scenarios

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource assignment efficiencyVSAvoidtransmission reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent dynamically changes the uplink resource index parameter based on the detected downlink control channel format. By applying format-specific offset values to the downlink resource index, the system maintains efficient resource assignment while ensuring reliable collision-free transmission across diverse control channel formats and carrier aggregation scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2399359B1Method and apparatus of transmitting ACK/nack
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2399359B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2399359B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP2399359B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The present invention is directed to a wireless communication system is disclosed. More specifically, the present invention is directed to a method of transmitting an ACK/NACK (Acknowledgement/Negative-ACK) signal a user equipment in the wireless communication system, the method includes receiving a first downlink control channel from a base station; receiving scheduling information through a second downlink control channel from the base station; deciding an uplink resource index for transmitting an ACK/NACK signal associated with the scheduling by considering the first control channel when the first control channel has a predetermined format; and transmitting the ACK/NACK signal to the base station by using an uplink resource indicated by the uplink resource index.