Downlink Control Channel Resource Configuration for UE Without RRC Connection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mobile communication systems face challenges in configuring flexible downlink control channel resources, especially for user equipment that does not establish an RRC connection, leading to inflexible resource allocation and increased power consumption and latency.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus for determining a downlink control channel resource, where the user equipment configures a resource set to transmit a UE-specific physical downlink control channel based on an indication message from the base station or predefined protocol definitions, allowing flexible resource configuration even without an RRC connection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the terminal is required to listen to the downlink control channel over the entire transmission bandwidth, then the resource utilization is improved, but the power consumption control of the terminal deteriorates and the delay at the terminal side is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the downlink control channel resources into two distinct types: common downlink control channel resources (for system information and common control) and UE-specific downlink control channel resources (for dedicated control information). This segmentation allows the terminal to selectively monitor only the common resources without RRC connection, avoiding the need to scan the entire bandwidth, thus reducing power consumption while maintaining resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamic resource allocation where the base station can flexibly configure and indicate UE-specific downlink control channel resources through downlink signaling. This dynamic approach allows the system to adapt resource allocation based on actual needs, enabling terminals to monitor only necessary resources rather than the entire bandwidth, thereby reducing power consumption and delay.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the terminal is required to listen to the downlink control channel over the entire transmission bandwidth, then the resource utilization is improved, but the delay at the terminal side is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoiddelay
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting control channel resources into common and UE-specific types, the patent enables terminals to quickly access common resources without RRC connection, reducing the time required to obtain control information and minimizing delay while maintaining efficient resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent pre-configures common downlink control channel resources that are always available and known to terminals before RRC connection is established. This preliminary preparation allows terminals to immediately access control information without scanning the entire bandwidth, reducing access delay while maintaining resource utilization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If the transmission resources of downlink control channel are configured more flexibly, then the resource utilization is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveresource utilizationVSAvoidterminal complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces downlink signaling as an intermediary mechanism that carries configuration information for UE-specific downlink control channel resources. This intermediary approach allows flexible resource configuration to be managed by the base station rather than the terminal, reducing terminal complexity while enabling flexible resource utilization.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables flexible resource allocation by allowing the base station to dynamically change parameters such as resource location, bandwidth, and timing of UE-specific downlink control channels through signaling. This parameter-based flexibility achieves high resource utilization without requiring complex terminal-side resource management logic.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3644675B1Method and apparatus for determining downlink control channel resource, user equipment and base station
Publication Date: 2022.10.26 DATANG MOBILE COMM EQUIP CO LTD
  • EP3644675B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3644675B1 patent drawingFigure 5
  • EP3644675B1 patent drawingFigure 6~8

AI summary

A method and apparatus of determining a downlink control channel resource, a user equipment and a base station are provided. The method of determining a downlink control channel resource at the user equipment side includes: receiving an indication message sent by a base station, and determining, according to the indication message, a first resource set configured to transmit a UE-specific physical downlink control channel of the user equipment; or determining, according to a protocol definition, a first resource set configured to transmit a UE-specific physical downlink control channel of the user equipment.