Base Station Downlink Control Channel Resource Allocation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current wireless communication systems face challenges in efficiently transmitting downlink control channels, particularly in terms of resource allocation and modulation schemes, which affect data rate and interference management in multi-node environments.

Innovation Solution

The method involves dividing resource blocks allocated to the downlink control channel into subsets based on starting and ending symbols, configuring basic resource allocation units, and mapping transmission resources for efficient transmission and reception, allowing for flexible modulation schemes like 16QAM and multi-layer transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If resource blocks are divided into subsets with fixed basic allocation units, then resource allocation is simplified, but resource utilization flexibility deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource allocation complexityVSAvoidresource allocation flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the basic resource allocation unit dynamic by determining its size based on the starting and ending symbols of the downlink control channel. When the control channel occupies more symbols, the basic unit includes more subsets; when it occupies fewer symbols, the basic unit includes fewer subsets. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the allocation unit size to actual resource needs, simplifying allocation while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the parameter of basic resource allocation unit size based on control channel characteristics (starting and ending symbols). By adjusting this parameter dynamically, the system achieves both simplified allocation (through defined basic units) and maintained flexibility (through parameter adaptation), resolving the technical contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If traditional QPSK modulation is used for downlink control channel, then transmission reliability is maintained, but data rate is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission reliabilityVSAvoiddata rate
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the modulation scheme parameter from fixed QPSK to variable modulation types (QPSK, 16QAM, 64QAM) based on channel conditions and resource allocation. This allows the system to maintain reliability with QPSK when needed while achieving higher data rates with 16QAM or 64QAM when channel conditions permit, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and data rate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic modulation selection where the modulation scheme adapts to channel conditions and resource allocation patterns. This dynamic approach allows the system to switch between reliable but lower-rate QPSK and higher-rate but more demanding 16QAM/64QAM, resolving the static contradiction between reliability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Quantity of substance

If resource blocks are fully allocated to downlink control channel, then control information capacity is maximized, but data transmission resources are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol information capacityVSAvoiddata transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by allocating only the necessary number of resource block subsets to the downlink control channel based on actual control information requirements. Instead of fully allocating resource blocks to control channels, the system determines the minimum needed allocation, thereby maintaining control information capacity while preserving resources for data transmission and achieving overall system efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2747321B1Method for base station transmitting downlink control channel in wireless communication system and apparatus for same
Publication Date: 2019.08.28 LG ELECTRONICS INC
  • EP2747321B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2747321B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP2747321B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In the present invention, a method for a base station transmitting a downlink channel is disclosed. More particularly, the method comprises the steps of: dividing each of one or more resources blocks, which are allocated for the downlink control channel, into a predetermined number of subsets; deciding the number of subsets that comprise a resource allocation basic unit for the downlink control channel, based on a start symbol and/or an end symbol of the downlink control channel; mapping a transmission resource on the downlink control channel as the resource allocation basic unit comprising the predetermined number of subsets; and transmitting the downlink control channel by using the transmission resource that is mapped.