Control Channel Format Estimation with Blind Allocation Block Decoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In wireless communication systems, decoding control channels is challenging due to the need to know the size and length of data information prior to decoding, especially when multiple modulation and coding schemes are used, leading to increased control signaling requirements.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that determine the total number of allocation blocks for users, select a format for resource allocation, decode allocation blocks, and perform error checking, repeating the process for different formats until no errors are found, allowing for blind estimation of the chosen format and reducing additional control signaling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple formats for control signaling are supported to accommodate different data rates, then the system can adapt to varying channel conditions, but the complexity of determining the correct format and the amount of control signaling required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing blind estimation of the control channel format before actual data decoding. The receiving end tries multiple possible formats (e.g., different numbers of allocation blocks) in advance and determines the correct format without requiring explicit signaling, thus resolving the format determination complexity while maintaining adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies self-service by enabling the receiver to autonomously determine the control channel format through blind estimation and error checking. The receiver tests different formats and identifies the correct one based on error check results, eliminating the need for additional control signaling to indicate the format
2Measurement precision
If the size of control information is increased to explicitly signal format details, then the receiver can accurately decode control channels, but the overhead of control signaling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the format indication function from explicit control signaling and embeds it within the data structure itself. By using the number of allocation blocks as an implicit format indicator and verifying through error checks, the system eliminates the need for separate format signaling bits, thus reducing control signaling overhead while maintaining accurate format identification
Solution Approach 2:
The error check mechanism serves as an intermediary that indirectly indicates the correct format. Instead of directly signaling the format, the system uses error check results as a mediator to guide the receiver to the correct format selection, reducing the need for explicit format indication
3Quantity of substance
If blind estimation is performed by trying multiple formats, then additional control signaling is reduced, but the decoding time and processing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by limiting the blind estimation process to a finite set of predetermined formats (e.g., specific numbers of allocation blocks). Instead of trying all possible formats, the system tests only the most likely candidates in a predetermined order, reducing the time overhead while still achieving format identification
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary filtering by testing formats in a predetermined order based on likelihood or priority. This preliminary action allows the receiver to quickly identify the correct format without exhaustively testing all possibilities, thus reducing decoding time
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, apparatus, and computer program product for decoding control information, wherein a total number of allocation blocks defining control channels to be allocated to users for at least one of uplink and downlink directions is determined. Then, a format which determines resource allocation within allocation blocks is selected, allocation blocks are decoded using the selected format, and an error checking is performed for the decoded allocation blocks. This selecting, coding and error checking is repeated for different available formats until no error is revealed in said error checking. Thereby, a blind estimation of a format chosen for the control channel information can be achieved, so that additional amount of control signalling can be reduced.