Multi-User Control Channel Multiplexing in Data Region

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wireless communication systems using multiple antennas face limitations in control channel resources, which restrict system capacity due to high control channel overhead.

Innovation Solution

Implementing a space division multiplexing technique to transmit and receive multi-user control channels within the data channel region, allowing control channels to be mapped and multiplexed with data channels, thereby expanding control channel resources.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If control channels are transmitted using traditional methods in the control channel region, then control channel transmission is simple and reliable, but control channel overhead is high and system capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem capacityVSAvoidcontrol channel overhead
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges control channel transmission with data channel transmission by multiplexing control channels into the data channel region. This allows control information to be transmitted alongside data channels, eliminating the need for separate control channel resources and thereby reducing control channel overhead while increasing system capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions control channel transmission from the traditional control channel region to the data channel region, utilizing spatial dimensionality change. By mapping control channels to resource blocks in the data channel region and using multiple antennas for spatial multiplexing, the system achieves more efficient resource utilization and reduces overhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If control channel resources are increased to support more users, then multi-user service capability is improved, but control channel overhead increases and resource allocation efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-user service capabilityVSAvoidresource allocation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the data channel region serve dual purposes: carrying both data channels and control channels. This universalization allows the same resource blocks to be used for multiple functions, enabling the system to support more users without increasing overall overhead, as control channels share the resources with data channels.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic control channel mapping where control channels are allocated to specific resource blocks in the data channel region based on channel conditions and user requirements. This dynamic allocation allows flexible adaptation to different multi-user scenarios while maintaining efficient resource utilization through spatial multiplexing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If space division multiplexing is used to transmit control channels in the data channel region, then control channel resources are expanded and overhead is reduced, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol channel resourcesVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the data channel region into multiple resource blocks that can be independently mapped to different control channels. This segmentation allows flexible allocation of control channel resources across different spatial and frequency dimensions, enabling expanded control channel capacity while managing complexity through structured resource block management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces resource blocks as intermediary units that mediate between control channel transmission and data channel resources. By using resource blocks as the mapping unit in the data channel region, the system achieves flexible control channel allocation while simplifying the overall structure through standardized resource block management and mapping procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3993304A1Method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving multi-user control channels in a wireless communication system with multiple antennas
Publication Date: 2022.05.04 SAMSUNG ELECTRONICS CO LTD
  • EP3993304A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3993304A1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3993304A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting and receiving multi-user control channels through a data channel region in a wireless communication system using multiple antennas. Further provided is a definition of a new search space for control channel candidates. In the transmitting method, a base station forms control channels for a plurality of user equipment each of which is composed of at least one resource block, performs a mapping for the control channels by dividing a space of the same transmission region in a data channel region of a sub-frame, and then multiplexes the control channels with data channels in the data channel region of the sub-frame and to transmit the multiplexed control channels.