DCI Scheduling Multiple Transport Blocks via PDCCH
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current communication systems face challenges in efficiently scheduling multiple transport blocks (TBs) through a single physical downlink control channel (PDCCH), particularly for non-periodic traffic, due to high control signaling overhead.
Innovation Solution
The method involves transmitting downlink control information (DCI) through a PDCCH, where multiple TBs are scheduled using hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process information and new data indicator (NDI) information, and redundancy versions (RVs) are indicated using an RV signaling field or set to fixed values.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If multiple transport blocks are scheduled through one PDCCH, then data transmission efficiency is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the scheduling of multiple transport blocks into a single DCI message. Instead of sending separate DCI for each TB, the system combines multiple TB scheduling information into one DCI, thereby reducing the number of PDCCH transmissions needed while maintaining efficient data transmission. This directly addresses the contradiction by consolidating control signaling to reduce overhead while still enabling multi-TB scheduling for improved productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The DCI message is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it schedules multiple transport blocks, indicates HARQ process information for each TB, and provides redundancy version information. This multi-functional DCI structure allows one control message to manage multiple data blocks, reducing the overall control signaling overhead while maintaining comprehensive scheduling capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If HARQ process information and NDI information are used to indicate multiple TBs, then scheduling flexibility is improved, but DCI message size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The DCI message is segmented into distinct fields: HARQ process information field and NDI field. Each field serves a specific function - HARQ process information identifies the retransmission buffer, while NDI indicates new data versus retransmission. This segmentation allows the system to maintain scheduling flexibility through dedicated fields while keeping the overall message structure organized and size-controlled.
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the DCI message have specialized functions tailored to specific scheduling needs. The HARQ process information field handles retransmission management, while the NDI field handles new data indication. This local specialization allows each field to be optimized for its specific purpose, providing scheduling flexibility without requiring the entire message to be oversized.
3Reliability
If RV signaling field is used to indicate redundancy versions, then retransmission control is improved, but control signaling overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The redundancy version information is merged into the same DCI message that schedules multiple transport blocks. Rather than sending separate control signals for RV information, the patent combines TB scheduling, HARQ process indication, and redundancy version specification into a unified DCI structure. This merging approach improves retransmission control reliability while minimizing additional overhead by consolidating all control information in one message.
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a method and apparatus for transmitting downlink control information. The method includes transmitting the downlink control information (DCI) through a physical downlink control channel (PDCCH); and scheduling multiple transport blocks (TBs) through the DCI. The scheduled multiple TBs are indicated by new data indicator (NDI) information and hybrid automatic repeat request (HARQ) process information in the DCI.